BusinessHABSkin lightening without Risks: In contrast to skin whitening, “skin lightening” has a positive function other than achieving a lighter complexion.
In order to understand what skin lightening actually is we first need to understand what hyperpigmentation is.
The goal of skin lightening is not to bleach your skin, but to fade out unwanted blemishes by inhibiting melanin, which gives your skin its color.
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Skin lightening without Risks
Within the many different layers of our skin, there is a layer called the basal layer.
In this layer our skin cells form and divide to create the outer skin layer.
In this layer, there is a cell called a melanocyte.
This cell is responsible for transporting melanosomes.
Which are cells that contain pigment (melanin) which gives us our skin color.
Located in the melanocyte is an enzyme called tyrosinase.
This enzyme is responsible for the production of melanin.
Hyperpigmentation is caused by this enzyme over producing melanin.
Skin lightening without Risks
To remedy this, many skin lightening products have been formulated to inhibit tyrosinase.
Essentially stopping it from over producing melanin.
Skin lightening products that include tyrosinase inhibitors are not only for people with hyperpigmentation.
Many people with even skin use these products to prevent hyperpigmentation in the future.
As it is far easier to prevent hyperpigmentation than to correct it once it is present in your skin.
Unfortunately even if hyperpigmentation is corrected it can return due to our skin having a memory.
Another reason skin lightening is recommended for people with even skin is sometimes hyperpigmentation lies beneath the surface of the skin and will emerge in later life.
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Skin lightening without Risks
“Skin Lightening” reduces pigmentation, lightens discoloration, eliminates blemishes and evens skin tone.
Importantly, it can be done through simple skin care products.
And does not require any type of medical procedure.
Skin lightening products target particular areas of discolorations like age spots.
And hyperpigmentation from acne breakouts and bruising.
Lightening creams work to reduce the melanin pigmentation in a particular area on the skin.
Lightening products are best used for a limited period of time.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON SKIN LIGHTENING INGREDIENTS?
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Hydroquinone (This is not recommended. Continue reading to learn why)
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Kojic Acid
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Arbutin
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Vitamin C
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Retinol
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SKIN LIGHTENING CREAMS
There are many skin lightening creams, some over the counter products.
And some can only be obtained with a prescription.
Prescription lightening creams generally contain hydroquinone and corticosteroids (steroid medication).
Products containing these ingredients in some countries.
Are only available with a prescription as they have potentially dangerous side effects if misused.
Mercury is another banned substance often found in skin lightening creams.
When you buy products over the counter make sure to check the ingredients.
Do not buy anything with hydroquinone, corticosteroids or mercury.
There are many highly effective products that include natural ingredients.
HYDROQUINONE: A SKIN LIGHTENING OPTION WHICH IS NOT RECOMMENDED:
Do you find skin lighteners irritate your skin?
This can be frustrating as many lightening products.
On the market have ingredients that can irritate and even damage delicate skin.
If you have sensitive skin and still want to get the benefits of skin lightening.
You will be happy to know that there are many natural skin lightening alternatives.
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Skin lightening without Risks
The most common ingredient found in skin lightening products over the last 50 years is hydroquinone.
What makes this ingredient so sought after is that it effectively decreases melanin in skin.
This makes it a potent skin lightening ingredient for someone looking to lighten dark spots.
Freckles, acne scars, and more.
Until recently it was considered to be the safest and most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation.
Including age spots, melasma, sun damage, and other discolorations.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hydroquinone works by decreasing the number of melanocytes present in your skin.
Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which is what makes your skin, eyes and hair darker.
Less melanin means lighter and more even skin tone.
The great news is there are plenty of natural skin lightening products that are completely natural and have none of the side effects. Here are just a few.
HYDROQUINONE ALTERNATIVES:
The following ingredients will lighten your skin naturally.
Without the risks associated with Hydroquinone.
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1. Bearberry Extract
Bearberry extract is a completely natural skin lightening ingredient found in the bearberry shrub which contains arbutin, a natural skin lightener and brightener.
Arbutin is a distant cousin to hydroquinone, but is completely natural.
It makes the enzyme that is responsible for producing melanin inactive like hydroquinone does, providing you the benefits of hydroquinone such as lightening and brightening your skin tone while also correcting hyperpigmentation problems like age spots, freckles, melasma, and acne scars. Since it is completely natural it has no side effects.
Another benefit of bearberry extract is it contains sun protection filters that can reduce the effects of sun exposure helping to slow the effects of aging.
Skin lightening without Risks
2. Licorice Root Extract
Would you believe that licorice is not only used in candy.
It is also a powerful natural skin lightener that is often used to treat hyperpigmentation such as age spots, sun damage, melasma and more. It is not only a skin lightener but is also can be used to control excessive oil on your skin.
Licorice root extract is perfect for people with sensitive skin as it can be used to calm down redness, puffiness and itching. Since it has amazing anti-irritant abilities it has far fewer side effects than hydroquinone.
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4.Kojic Acid
Looking to effectively treat melasma? Kojic acid which comes from fermented mushrooms inhibits the over production of melanin in unevenly pigmented skin.
This makes it a potent ally in brightening everything from freckles to melasma.
Kojic acid has become revered worldwide for its skin lightening abilities.
It therefore makes sense that it is found in numerous skin lightening products.
This ingredient is produced after rice is malted for the making of sake.
By inhibiting melanin, which is known to darken the skin, kojic acid brightens and lightens your skin instead.
5. Azelaic Acid
This lightening agent is found in grains like wheat, rye and barley.
It is not only effective in lightening skin, but is effective in treating numerous skin conditions too.
Azelaic acid was originally used to treat acne.
It also reduces inflammation and decreases the production of keratin.
Keratin promotes the growth of acne bacteria.
Azelaic acid does two things:
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It inhibits melanin production.
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It combats hyper-pigmentation by suppressing the growth of melanin producing cells.
Azelaic acid effectively targets hyperpigmentation while has little effect on normally pigmented skin like freckles.
This makes it ideal for treating hyperpigmentation disorders.
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Skin lightening without Risks
6. Niacinamide
Niacinamide actively reduces jagged pigmentation and age spots effectively lightening and soothing your skin.
Niacinamide increases ceramide and fatty acid levels in skin effectively increasing hydration levels in your skin.
This ensures you softer, smoother skin which is less prone to irritation.
In the long term well hydrated skin ensures you firm and wrinkle free skin.
7. Citrus Extracts
Citrus extracts are a rich source of vitamin C which destroys free radicals in your body.
Free radicals are cells that cause aging.
Citrus extracts give your skin a radiant glow while rejuvenating it from the inside.
Lemon juice naturally whitens skin and effectively removes dark spots.
It is also used to mildly exfoliate your skin due to its acidic content.
By safely peeling off the top layer of your skin.
Researchers have also found that citric acid can be used to significantly reverse photo aging and sun damage.
Skin lightening without Risks
8. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) in skin care.
It is generally used as a natural skin exfoliant and moisturizer.
Glycolic Acid not only evens out skin discoloration.
But also helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
AHA’s such as Glycolic Acid can assist other ingredients in skin lighteners.
By allowing them to penetrate farther into the skin.
9. Lactic Acid
Also an AHA, Lactic Acid mimics the properties of Glycolic Acid.
But is typically better suited for individuals with sensitive skin.
AHA’s such as Lactic Acid can assist other ingredients in skin lightening by allowing them to penetrate farther into the skin.
Skin lightening without Risks
10. Glutathione
Found in a wide array of ointments, lotions, pills, and soaps.
This ingredient is packed with antioxidants and designed to effectively lighten the skin.
Not only does this ingredient help with skin whitening
It also contributes to tissue repair and regeneration.
11. Lemon
Packed with Vitamin C and citric acid, lemons are made with organic bleaching agents.
That not only brighten your skin but also give it a healthy glow as well.
Our very own Oralight Supplements are made with lemon fibers and other natural ingredients.
Guaranteeing fresh and healthy skin.
Not only do lemons leave a refreshing scent on your skin.
They also contain citric acid which is a well-known natural bleaching ingredient.
Just make sure to apply a rich moisturizer to your skin after the lemon treatment, to avoid dryness.
12. Mulberry
Made popular in Japan, Mulberry extract is another all-natural choice that will deliver results with consistent use.
It may not be the most effective or potent, but it will get you a lighter skin tone over time.
Mulberry extracts are known to help skin.
They are widely used by many people all over the globe for purposes of skin lightening.
Significant research has been gathered to prove the anti tyrosinase activity of mulberry plants.
Produces the desirable effects as far as skin lightening is concerned.
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Skin lightening without Risks
Furthermore, the extract is known to slow down the ageing process.
It contains rich anti-oxidant properties.
Thus making it extremely beneficial for preventing wrinkles formation As a result.
Someone who uses mulberry extract will have flawless, silky smooth skin for many years to come.
Skin lightening without Risks
Cosmetologists also promote the extract and recommend it for effective skin lightening.
The roots and the barks contain excellent healing properties.
And this is one of the main reason why they are used for producing mulberry extract popularly used as a skin lightener.
The extract can additionally be used for removing residual rough skin as well as impurities that may be present on the skin.
The extract is also recommended by cosmetology experts.
Because it lowers melanin production that occurs as a result of UV exposure.
When used as a skin lightener, mulberry extract resolves all issues related to uneven skin tone thereby allowing a user to have a pleasant skin tone after use.
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13. Spinach
This vegetable, which is packed to the gills with amino acids, is a great choice for people who want to get their glutathione naturally. Other green foods like avocados, asparagus, and broccoli have also been proven to contain a notable amount of glutathione as well.
Skin lightening without Risks
14. Aloe Vera
This wonder-plant is not only gentle and soothing on the skin, but effective in reducing redness and skin discoloration as well. By rubbing the insides of the plant (the gel part) on your face, you will make your skin feel brighter, refreshed, and altogether lighter.
15. Honey
Like aloe vera, honey is both a bleaching aid and a moisturizer all at once. A lot of times, your skin feels uneven and patchy because it’s dry and rough. By incorporating honey into your routine, your skin will look lighter, more even, and feel softer at the same time.
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Skin lightening without Risks
16. Oranges
Like lemons, oranges have bleaching properties that can really lighten your skin. On top of that, these super-fruits also pack a vitamin C punch and make your skin feel more elastic and soft.
17. Yogurt
One of the best nutrients for your skin, yogurt is very nutritious and provides a lot of benefits. For one, it has lactic acid which has been proven to brighten skin, and it also moisturizes really well, so your face will feel soft and smooth.
SKIN LIGHTENING: THE BOTTOM LINE
Skin lightening is not skin bleaching. If you want to restore your skin’s natural tone there are many over the counter natural skin lightening products. Makari skin lightening products are naturally infused and hydroquinone free. Here are a few samples:
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